The Nordic model for alcohol sales is an effective policy for reducing irregular, heavy drinking and encouraging more moderate drinking habits, a new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) contends, with data that appears to support the assertion.
Monopoly
Many visitors to Iceland will notice that when it comes to buying alcohol for home consumption, one can only do so at one of Iceland’s state-run alcohol stores. The “beer” that you might see in grocery stores is actually near-beer, containing little to no alcohol.
These monopoly stores have limited hours of operation by design. Proponents contend that this system is in the interest of the public good, while critics say that the system limits personal freedom and private enterprise. WHO’s latest report on this Nordic model for alcohol sales seems to support the former position.
Evidence-based recommendations
“Unlike other retail outlets, [state monopoly alcohol stores] are not driven by profit or sales, focusing primarily on public health and welfare,” the report states in part. “The monopolies align with WHO evidence-based recommendations for reducing alcohol consumption and harm, which include high alcohol taxes, limited availability and restricted marketing.”
In terms of where the Nordic countries, including Iceland, actually stand in terms of alcohol consumption when compared to the rest of Europe, the data shows that Iceland is well below the European average. While the European average is about 11 litres of pure alcohol per year, Iceland’s per capita consumption is only around eight litres; only Cyprus, Italy, Greece and Norway consume less alcohol each year.
“The Nordic alcohol monopolies approach alcohol as more than just a regular commodity, recognizing its profound impact on public health and social well-being,” the report concludes. “By maintaining control over alcohol sales, the Nordic alcohol monopolies view their role not merely as retailers but as integral parts of broader national alcohol strategies, ensuring that alcohol is managed responsibly within society.”
